Association of South Ulethan Nations
| Association of South Ulethan Nations | |||||
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| Regional intergovernmental organization | |||||
| Members | 19 member states
2 partner entities 8 observer entities
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| Administrative center(s) | Hanif Osianopoli Portat e Arta | ||||
| Official languages | Castellanese, Ingerish, Mazanic, Plevian, Turquese | ||||
| • Secretary General | Abdullah Al Arsami | ||||
| • President of the Committee of Ministers | Paltena Kalias | ||||
| • Speaker of the Interparliamentary Assembly | Kabiri Mustafa Paşa | ||||
| Legislative body | Interparliamentary Assembly | ||||
| Timezone | WUT +3 to +6 | ||||
The Association of South Ulethan Nations (Castellanese: Asociación de Naciones de Suduleta; Mazanic: جمعية دول جنوب ليثان; Plevian: Associazione delle Nazioni dell'Ulezia Meridionale; Turquese: Güney Uleta Derneği), better known by its Ingerish acronym ASUN, is a regional intergovernmental organization in Uletha. The organization was founded with the goal of promoting peace and security, economic cooperation and prosperity, and social and cultural development. The organization has its roots in various treaties between Mediterranean states, but has since expanded its scope significantly with a number of permanent institutions all over South Uletha. The most important statutory bodies of ASUN include the Secretariat of the Association of South Ulethan Nations headed by the Secretary General, the Committee of Ministers which comprises the foreign ministers from each member state, the Interparliamentary Assembly which comprises national parliamentarians from all member states, and the South Ulethan Court of Fundamental Rights. ASUN cannot make binding laws, but it has the power to enforce international conventions and treaties ratified by ASUN member states.
Aims
ASUN is founded on four principles that outline the aims of the organization:
- Promote peace, security and stability in the region through the renunciation of threat or use of force and the settlement of disputes through peaceful manners.
- Developing prosperous and resilient economies through sustainable economic growth and economic competitiveness, free and fair trade, and increased economic integration.
- Promote scientific and technological progress through collaboration in the fields of education, training and research.
- Promote social progress and cultural development in order to strengthen equality and cherish the unique cultural heritage of the community.
ASUN has its own legislative and executive powers through its institutions; these powers are independent and subordinate to the national legislatures and governments of the organization's member states. Therefore, ASUN cannot make binding laws and enforce them independently of its member states. Instead, member states commit themselves to common goals, political decisions and policies through the use of treaties, conventions and agreements developed and agreed upon by all member states through the institutions of ASUN. ASUN can be seen as a platform through which members discuss, shape and implement international law. ASUN has the power to enforce international conventions and treaties ratified by ASUN member states. In many cases, common political decisions and policies are agreed upon through deliberation and implemented on a national level only, in which case ASUN has no power to enforce those policies.
As a geopolitical entity, ASUN is sometimes regarded as a regional power in South Uletha. Proponents of ASUN view the organization as a possible counterweight against other regional powers with an interest in South Uletha, such as Sathria and Suria. ASUN allows for coordination and cooperation between many smaller nations, who gain influence and leverage from their membership in ASUN as part of a larger geopolitical bloc. Critics of ASUN regard this viewpoint as unrealistic, on the grounds that ASUN lack the necessary coordination and institutions to work against powerful external interests.
Structure
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An important and unique pillar of ASUN's organization is asymmetrical integration - member states are allowed a great deal of freedom regarding which parts of the organization they wish to partake in. As a result, the obligations of each member state vary greatly depending on their degree of integration in ASUN. The structure of ASUN is very dynamic and facilitates the establishment and dissolution of institutions.
ASUN consists of two types of institutions; official bodies and plurilateral Agreements. The official bodies make up the main structures of governance in ASUN, setting the agenda and managing the activities of the organization itself. ASUN’s plurilateral Agreements are semi-autonomous institutions organized by or in association with ASUN. Members of ASUN are not obliged to take part in partial agreements, but are encouraged to opt in on a voluntary basis. Plurilateral Agreements are in most cases funded through cost sharing by participating states. Observer and partner states are allowed to partake in any plurilateral agreement that is funded through cost sharing. Plurilateral agreements fully funded by ASUN itself are only open to member states.
Outside of ASUN's permanent activities through its institutions, the heads of government of all member states meet during the annual ASUN Summit to discuss current economic, political, security, and socio-cultural policy issues. Partner and observer states are also invited to take part in the summit if they wish. The summit is usually held over the course of a few days, and the location varies from year to year. Many landmark decisions of ASUN have been developed during an ASUN Summit.
Official bodies
Secretariat (SASUN)
Administration and budgeting
Located in Osianopoli, 
Plevia.
The Secretariat of the Association of South Ulethan Nations holds the responsibility for the strategic management, administration and budgeting of ASUN’s meetings and activities. The position of Secretary General is appointed by majority vote by the Interparliamentary Assembly for a non-renewable term of six years.
Committee of Ministers (CMASUN)
Executive
Located in Hanif, 
Mazan.
The Committee of Ministers of the Association of South Ulethan Nations is the executive body of ASUN, representing the national governments of its member states. Its members consist of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all member states. Its mandate includes deciding the general action and common policy of ASUN, finalizing conventions and agreements, adopting the budget submitted by the Secretariat, as well as admitting new member states in dialogue with the Interparliamentary Assembly. The Committee meets at least two times a year; additional meetings can be called when necessary. Each member state also has the opportunity to appoint a Deputy Representative, who provides permanent representation for its member state outside of the Committee’s biannual meetings.
Interparliamentary Assembly (IAASUN)
Advisory and deliberative
Located in Castellán.
The Interparliamentary Assembly of the Association of South Ulethan Nations is the parliamentary arm of ASUN. The overarching goal of the Interparliamentary Assembly is the dissemination of best practices and harmonization of national laws across member states. The Assembly does not have the power to make binding laws, but can help develop, recommend, implement and evaluate national legislation of member states. In addition, the Interparliamentary Assembly acts as a platform for debate for member states and holds frequent dialogues and debate sessions on any topic it chooses. The Assembly has the power to appoint the position of Secretary General and judges for the South Uletha Court of Fundamental Rights. Member states found to be in violation of ASUN’s statutes can have their delegation suspended or voting rights removed. The Assembly includes the delegations of each member states’ parliament, and seats are distributed proportionally according to country population. It is the responsibility of the member state that the delegation is representative of the national parliament. Observer and partner states also have the opportunity to send a delegation, but lack the right to vote.
Court of Fundamental Rights (SUCFR)
Judiciary
Located in Portat e Arta, 
Malësoria.
The South Uletha Court of Fundamental Rights is the international court of the Association of South Ulethan Nations, whose mandate includes enforcing the contents of the Ulethan Charter of Fundamental Rights to which every member state is a party. The court has jurisdiction amongst all member states of ASUN. The court hears applications from individuals, groups, organizations or entire states and makes judgments regarding the Ulethan Charter of Fundamental Rights or any of ASUN’s optional treaties and conventions when applicable for involved parties. The court may also, upon the request of the Committee of Ministers or the Interparliamentary Assembly, issue advisory opinions regarding the interpretation of ASUN treaties and conventions. Judges are elected by majority vote by the Interparliamentary Assembly for a non-renewable eight-year term.
Plurilateral Agreements
Economy & Finance
| ASUN Banking Association (ASUNBA) | ASUN Business and Investment Council (ASUNBIC) | South Uletha Monetary Fund (SUMF) |
|---|---|---|
| ANUM Conségio Afàri é Investìmenti | Fond Nomiaș ḑe Uleța Vuoță | |
| Located in TBD. | Located in City of Navenna,  Navenna.
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Located in Malvertta,  Qennes.
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| ASUNBA aims to promote the development and implementation of common payment systems, to encourage cooperation and dialogue among member banks, and to foster monetary and financial stability. | Aims to strengthen economic competitiveness, ease of business among members, and promote economic cooperation through the formation of multinational networks. The Business and Investment Council works on a variety of issues related to international trade, foreign investment and sustainable economic growth. | The Monetary Fund grants loans to ASUN member states for the co-financing of different projects. Projects co-financed by SUMF include ... |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, NA, PL, QN, SF |
Infrastructure & Communications
| ASUN Agency for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (ASUNMAF) | South Uletha Agency for Infrastructure and Transport (SUAIT) | South Ulethan Energy Center (SUEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. |
| Its mandate includes international shipping, cooperation between port authorities, maritime resources and fishing rights. | Aims to identify important transport corridors, coordinate the planning and construction of trunk roads, railways, seaports, traffic management systems, telecommunications and energy networks. | Aims to work towards sustainability and self-sufficiency in the energy sector, and increase the integration of national energy systems across member states. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, NA, PL, QN | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, MM, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AQ, NA, PL, QN, SF |
Health, Technology & Research
| ASUN Agency of Medicine and Health (ASUNAMH) | ASUN Agency of Statistics (ASUNSTAT) | ASUN Technology and Innovation Agency (ASUNTI) | Infrastructure for Spatial Information in South Uletha (ISISU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GUMB İstatistik Ajansi | |||
| Located in TBD. | Located in Tarsinar,  Demirhanlı Devleti.
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Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. |
| Its mandate include harmonization of quality standards for medicines regulations, monitoring and raising issues regarding public health among member states, and food control. | Aims to harmonize statistical data collection methods and provide member states and other ASUN institutions with statistical data. | Aims to provide expertise and funding for the development and deployment of innovative technologies and services. | ISISU works towards establishing a common and open infrastructure for geographical information among member states through the harmonization of spatial data collection, storage and usage policies. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, MM, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, EgU, LR, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF |
| South Uletha Meteorological Network (SUMN) |
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| Located in TBD. |
| Aims to promote cooperation and harmonization among national meteorological organizations and the establishment of a common network of meteorological data collection points. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, EgU, LR, MË, MM, NA, PL, SF |
Public Safety & International Security
| ASUN Agency for Maritime Safety (ASUNAMS) | ASUN Agency of Natural Disaster Prevention and Relief (ASUNNDPR) | ASUN Agency for Safety and Stability (ASUNSS) | ASUN Anti-Corruption Bureau (ASUNACB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. |
| Its mandates include the protection of life and property on waterborne transportation. Its scope is similar to ASUNSS, but with a focus on maritime conflicts. | Its aims include developing disaster prediction research, risk management, post-crisis analysis and rehabilitation. | Its mandates include arms control, crisis management, conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation. | The Anti-Corruption Bureau provides member states with recommendations regarding corruption through the identification of deficiencies in national anti-corruption legislation and evaluating the implementation of such legislation. |
| Ratified by AR, LR, MM, NA, PL, QN | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, LR, MM, NA, PL, QN | Ratified by AR, AQ, LR, NA, PL, QN |
| South Uletha Law Enforcement Cooperation Agency (SUPOL) |
|---|
| Located in TBD. |
| SUPOL is the agency for cooperation between the national law enforcement forces of ASUN member states. Its mandate includes cross-border crime prevention and investigation. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF |
Culture, Education & Social issues
| ASUN Education and Vocational Training Agency (ASUNEVT) | ASUN University Network (ASUNUN) | Forum for Cultural Heritage and Exchange (ASUNCHE) |
|---|---|---|
| Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. |
| Aims to promote investment into primary and secondary level education as well as vocational training. | Its mandate encompasses easing credit transfers and student exchanges, encouraging cooperation in academic research and providing participating universities with a platform for communication and cooperation. ASUNUN maintains partnerships with many international student exchange programmes, such as the MEUSS Programme. | Aims to promote cooperation in arts and culture. Each year, members of the Forum select a “ASUN Capital of Culture“. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, EgU, LR, MË, NA, PL, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, EgU, LR, MË, MM, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, EgU, LR, MË, MM, NA, PL, QN, SF |
Climate & Natural Resources
| ASUN Climate and Environment Agency (ASUNCE) | ASUN Initiative for Responsible and Effective Protection of Ulethan Geology and Ecology (REFUGE) | ASUN Agency for Agriculture and Rural Development (ASUNARD) |
|---|---|---|
| DUNK Klimaitin is Arainneacht Aʐansi | ||
| Located in Neril, Template:Lorantis. | Located in TBD. | Located in TBD. |
| ASUNCE's mandate includes developing and evaluating environmental protection policies among member states. Aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources, ecologically sustainable development and efficient resource use. | REFUGE oversees and funds a network of marine and terrestrial nature protection areas in South Uletha. | The agency provides subsidies for agriculture and forestry, and promotes the development of rural areas among members. ASUNARD is responsible for the South Ulethan Agricultural Guarantee Fund. |
| Ratified by AR, AQ, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF | Ratified by AR, AQ, DD, LR, MË, NA, PL, QN, SF |
Treaties and conventions
ASUN also has a number of treaties and conventions that, unlike plurilateral agreements, do not have a physical institution associated with them. Two of these are obligatory for ASUN members to ratify; namely the Association of South Ulethan Nations Foundational Statute (ASUNFS) and the Ulethan Charter of Fundamental Rights (UCFR).
| Name | Purpose | Ratifiers |
|---|---|---|
| Association of South Ulethan Nations Foundational Statute (ASUNFS) | The ASUNFS outlines the purpose, principles and organizational structure of ASUN. Required for ASUN membership. | All ASUN member states. |
| Ulethan Charter of Fundamental Rights (UCFR) | Outlines the values and rights enshrined by ASUN, such as the rule of law, pluralistic democracy, free and fair elections, and fundamental freedoms. Required for ASUN membership, but non-members may also ratify the charter. | All ASUN member states. |
| Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement (MEDIFTA) | MEDIFTA is a free trade area centered around the Mediterranean sea in southern Uletha. Members have a coordinated trade policy. | NA |
| South Ulethan Single Visa (SUSV) | SUSV works towards further freedom of movement among member states. Citizens of its signatories are allowed visa-free access to other member countries. | NA |
Membership
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Member states
All AN member states located in southern Uletha are eligible for membership in ASUN. States are required to ratify the Foundational Statute of the Association of South Ulethan Nations as well as the Ulethan Charter of Fundamental Rights in order to become a member. Member states include:
Partners
States that are not full members of ASUN, but partake in some plurilateral agreements, are eligible for partner status. Supranational entities with an interest in partaking in plurilateral agreements may also apply for partner status.
Observers
States with an interest in southern Ulethan affairs, and states located in or adjacent to Uletha, are eligible for observer status. Supranational entities all over the world may also apply for observer status.
- Antarephian Coalition
Alora- Chara (constituent entity of
Suria) - Egani
- Gaskús (constituent entity of Ruoguovvás)
Geklinia-Dregolesia
Iscu
Izaland
Kara
Controversies
Many politicians have accused ASUN of not having any meaningful purpose or clear aim. In particular, the Interparliamentary Assembly has been the object of repeated criticism for not having any effective power and being a “political theater”, with critics positing that the Committee of Ministers being the only body with actual authority. Issues have been raised regarding the inability of the Court of Fundamental Rights to effectively pursue violations of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Fringe groups on both sides of the political spectrum often accuse ASUN of having a neoliberal agenda furthering the interests of the economic and political elite of the region.
Funding of ASUN institutions are a major point of contention for ASUN member states. A consequence of ASUN's asymmetrical integration principle is the fact that funding for each of ASUN's institutions is dependent on how many countries are willing to partake in them. Notably, a 2017 report published by the Secretariat with the purpose of reviewing and evaluating the performance of the organization's institutions pointed out the South Ulethan Energy Center and the ASUN Anti-Corruption Bureau as two institutions that underperform. The South Ulethan Energy Center has struggled to finance all its activities since its inception due to low interest from ASUN members, with various projects for common renewable energy production beeing put on halt. The ASUN Anti-Corruption Bureau has on repeated occasions been forced to abandon investigations due to lack of funding. Due to the percieved importance of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the secretariat has sought to find ways to finance the Anti-Corruption Bureau's activities through other means, or even turn it into a fifth official body of ASUN. All such attempts have been met with strong resistance from many ASUN members, and no motions to provide more funding for the Anti-Corruption Bureau have passed.